Which tick is known to transmit Lyme disease?

The deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), is the primary vector responsible for the transmission of Lyme disease. This disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected deer tick.

Understanding the ecological role of these ticks is crucial, as they generally inhabit wooded and grassy areas and are most active during the spring and fall months when humans are likely to be outdoors. The life cycle of the deer tick involves multiple stages—larva, nymph, and adult—each of which can potentially transmit the disease if they feed on an infected host.

In contrast, other choices, such as the American Dog tick and the Brown Recluse tick, are associated with different diseases. The American Dog tick primarily transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever while the Brown Recluse tick is not the vector for Lyme disease but can cause localized skin reactions and systemic complications. Additionally, cat fleas are not ticks at all but rather fleas that are typically associated with various other types of diseases and pathogens in mammals. Understanding the specific role of the deer tick in Lyme disease transmission helps in effective prevention and management strategies for this prevalent disease.